Rome Reasserts Sex Dogma (Press, 16 January 1976)
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Summary: Rome Reasserts Sex Dogma (Press, 16 January 1976)
On 15 January 1976, the Vatican reaffirmed the Roman Catholic Church's strong opposition to sexual activity outside marriage, while addressing the complex issue of homosexuality. A comprehensive document issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, at the directive of Pope Paul VI, provided a detailed critique of contemporary attitudes towards sex, labelling masturbation as a seriously disordered act and calling for careful and prudent sex education for young people. The document expressed concern over the influence of mass media and entertainment in promoting what it described as licentious hedonism and acknowledged a growing departure from traditional sexual ethics among Catholics, particularly in Europe and North America. The statement specifically addressed homosexuals, introducing a nuanced perspective not previously seen in Vatican communications. It distinguished between various groups of homosexuals: some whose tendencies may be attributed to miseducation or lack of normal sexual development, and a second group whose homosexuality is deemed innate and thereby "incurable." The document urged that these latter individuals should be treated with compassion and understanding, with their culpability assessed carefully. In its doctrine, the Vatican reiterated the belief that sex outside marriage is invariably sinful and affirmed the Church's long-held position that the sexual function holds true meaning and morality only within the confines of marriage. Additionally, the document dismissed arguments advocating for the moral acceptability of premarital sex, which some believe could be justified as a reflection of a conjugal relationship in the psychology of individuals involved. The Church's reaffirmation of its sexual ethics comes against a backdrop where several theologians have faced censure for challenging established doctrines. The institution's disapproval was particularly directed at Father Stephan Pfuertner, a Swiss Dominican theologian who had previously lost his academic position over his views on sexual pleasure as a fundamental human right, advocating for its enjoyment aligned with personal conscience rather than stringent moral codes. Overall, this Vatican declaration reflects an urgent response to perceived moral crises, further solidifying the Church's traditional stance against sexual liberalisation while calling attention to the need for a more compassionate approach towards those identifying as homosexual.
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